doulas? midwives? help, confused

This time around I switched to an OB that is more VBAC friendly (which is what I want). The practice has many midwives...

So my question is, can someone explain the role of a midwife?

Also I want to get a doula, someone helping in the process of birth and maybe after? What exactly is their role? Anyone use one, worth it? How much do they usually cost?

Also want to find SEVERAL resources for LC's before giving birth...are LLL meetings good? I used only one LC last time, she wasn't great and I quit BFing way too early :(

Sorry for the million questions and THANKS!

doulas? midwives? help, confused

I might be wrong; but it's my understanding a Midwife plays the same role your OB would play. You would visit her for your prenatal appointments and she will deliver your baby. They are usually more open to VBAC's and other natural ways to deliver. A Doubla is just labor support and like you said after if you need her. She will help rub your back; perhaps offer positions to labor in. Anything you need during labor she'll help you with. I found them to be expensive. I think they can cost $600+

I haven't looked into LC too much; since I figured the hospital would have one; and my pediatrican has one too. But I did plan on attending a LLL meeting in my area.

doulas? midwives? help, confused

Yes, a midwife plays the same role as an OB, however, midwives can only deal with low-risk pregnancies. All midwives have an agreement with an OB in case a need for C-section or other emergency should arise. I used a midwife (Stony Brook Midwives) for my 1st pregnancy and will be using them again for this one.

ETA: Midwives are great if you want minimal interventions and are really focused on giving you the birth experience you want. They let things happen more naturally and slowly as long as the baby is doing well.

As far as doulas, they are there to support you and your DH. They are there to ofter support, massage, suggest positions for labor to reduce pain, and explain to you your options. The price for a trained/non-certified doula is about $500. A certified doula is $1000+ (these are LI prices). I had a trained/non-certified doula at the birth of my DS. She was a great verbal support, but nothing seemed to help with the back labor pains.

I also want to look into LCs for after this birth. My son wouldnt latch and none of the nurses at the hospital were helpful. I pumped for 4 months and then gave up. I really hope i can BF this one!

Message edited 11/27/2012 4:36:33 PM.

Re: doulas? midwives? help, confused

I would have wrote what wantbabynbr2 wrote. I also used Stony Brook midwives for my second child and am using them for my third.

I also want to mention that there are postpartum doulas who help with mom's needs after having the baby. Some are LCs as well. I'm looking into this now.

Re: doulas? midwives? help, confused

I am intending to have a doula if possible. I want DH there obviously but know he's not going to be the best at helping me relax etc.

Everyone I know who used one loved having them there.

Message edited 11/28/2012 9:20:42 AM.